5 Secrets to Saving Money Back-to-School Clothes Shopping

The sale flyers are out, the commercials are playing, the kids are grumbling. It must be back to school time. But with gas and food prices up and concerns about the economy, how can we get kids ready for the big day without spending what's left until pay day?

The number one way to save money is to not spend it. Spending money on sale items is still spending. Saving 25 percent off a marked up price isn't really saving at all.

Secret #1 - Know your pricing and comparison shop. If store "A" has overpriced pants for 30 percent off and store "B" has less expensive pants for 25 percent off, you really have to compare the after the discount price before you decide on the better deal. Sounds obvious right? But you can't compare unless you look at the teeny-tiny print on the sale ad (hidden under the huge % symbols) or you go to several stores (never a pretty sight with children along).

Secret #2 - The big discounts probably are not all that big. The stores know they are going to sell most of their product at the discounted price so the "regular" price is set arbitrarily high and the timely "sales" are more advertising that savings. The real savings come after the sale when the remaining product is marked down again.

Secret #3 - Clearance racks. The clearance rack consists of clothing moving out of season, clothing nobody wanted to buy, extreme sizes, or clothing that was returned. The secret is to check the clearance racks just before a big sale when staff will be making mark-downs and clearing space for new product and to think ahead. If stores are closing out summer items, look a size or two ahead and stock up for next year. You can buy items at a fraction of the cost and keep them stored away for the right season. But what about back to school clothes? Those jeans and long sleeves will not really be weather appropriate for a few months anyway so consider not buying them now. Wait until just before Thanksgiving when the back to school items will move to clearance to make way for the Christmas stock.

Secret #4 - Kids care most about certain items and less about other items. Focus your spending where you get the most bang for your buck. Chances are your school-age child cares little about the color or style of his socks or undershirts. In fact, often boys care little about the brand of their clothes and more about a token sweatshirt or shoes. Some girls are more interested in a cute jacket or skirts and t-shirts can be plain. Be budget minded on most things and splurge where you know your child will feel it most.

Secret #5 - Don't buy more than you really need. Check the closets and drawers to see what fits and what is needed before you shop. Write down a list of on hand clothing styles and colors that still fit and ideas for what items might fill in any gaps. Saving money means not spending it, so that cute skirt might be a great price but if there are 6 skirts in the closet at home it may be unnecessary. Know what you need to buy before you enter the store.

Shopping on a budget can be fun. Know the secrets and know how much you want to spend. Shop when everybody is well rested and well fed. When you know how to make the most of your spending dollars you will feel confident in your choices and save some money too.